System for automatic connection to a network

ABSTRACT

A computer system ( 10 ) that allows a user to automatically access one of a plurality of Internet Service Providers which require information specific to the user and/or the ISP ( 12 ) to be accessed. A smart card ( 14 ) contains the information specific to the user and/or the ISP ( 12 ) to be accessed, and a smart card reader ( 18 ) reads the information contained on the smart card ( 14 ) when inserted into the recess  16  of the smart card reader ( 18 ). A computer ( 24 ) is provided having a Central Processing Unit CPU ( 22 ) that is in communication with the smart card reader ( 18 ) and which is also adapted to be connected to the ISP ( 12 ) via telephone line ( 30 ). An application program ( 26 ) resides on the CPU ( 22 ) and is configured to automatically retrieve the information contained on the smart card ( 14 ) when it is inserted into the smart card reader ( 18 ) and to use that information to gain access to one of the plurality of ISPs via the network by using one of a default access number indicating a designated ISP ( 12 ) and a local access number from a database ( 28 ) containing a list of access numbers for the plurality of ISPs along with corresponding location information for each access number in the list. The computer system ( 10 ) may further comprise an online advertising server ( 82 ) for serving advertisement information to the user based on profile information of the information specific to the user contained on the smart card ( 14 ).

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/US00/04250, filed Feb. 18, 2000, designating theUnited States of America, which claims priority of AustralianApplication No. AU 17394/99 (PP9281), filed Feb. 18, 1999, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a computer system that allows auser to automatically connect to a network service provider, and moreparticularly, to a system and method which allows a user toautomatically connect to a network service provider by using a data card(i.e., a “smart card”). A smart card is a card that is approximately thesize of a credit card and stores electronic data on a microchip for usein a variety of applications. The present invention also relates to anonline advertisement system that accesses user profile informationstored on a smart card to provide advertisements specifically tailoredto the user's profile.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] With the increasing use of information technology to access andexchange information over a network, in addition to the emergence ofcommercial transactions which have been taking place over open networkssuch as the internet, it has become necessary to store information(particularly about a user) in a secure manner. One method of securinginformation is by a smart card. A smart card is approximately the sizeof a conventional credit card; however, instead of having a magneticstrip which stores data on the card, smart cards usually have amicrochip embedded within their structure. The microchip storesinformation in the form of electronic data which may be of use to thesmart card user.

[0004] Essentially, smart cards can be categorized into two distincttypes, namely “contact smart cards” and “contactless smart cards.” Smartcard readers are devices that read information contained in a smart cardmicrochip. They are typically connected to a computer so thatinformation in the smart card chip can be relayed to the computer.

[0005] “Contact” smart cards are typically inserted into a smart cardreader. These cards have a microchip on one side of the card which makescontact with an electrical connector contained within the smart cardreader. Data is exchanged between the chip on the smart card and theelectrical connector of the smart card reader.

[0006] “Contactless” smart cards do not have an exposed chip on one sideof the card, but have an antenna embedded within the card itself. Theantenna transmits information to a coupler unit or “smart card reader”which is also fitted with an antenna. The antenna allows information tobe exchanged without physical contact having to be made between thesmart card chip and the smart card reader.

[0007] Typically when a smart card is inserted into a reader mechanism,the embedded chip transmits a message to the host machine on which thereader is attached. This message typically acknowledges card insertioninto the reader mechanism.

[0008] Existing applications that utilize the smart card are launched bya human user after the smart card is inserted or before the smart cardis inserted. In the general case of application launch before cardinsertion a prompt within a typical application requires users to insertand then acknowledge card insertion through a prompt. In the generalcase of application launch after card insertion a similar acknowledgmentis also required.

[0009] Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Internet Access Providers(IAPS) are companies that provide individuals and companies with accessto the internet and to other related services, such as website buildingand hosting. A user of an internet service typically accesses the ISPfrom his or her computer via a telephone line so as to gain access tothe internet. The ISP usually requires the user to enter particularinformation in relation to the user, such as a login name and passwordwhich is then checked against the ISP's database to verify that the useris registered with the ISP. Traditionally ISPs have been located withintheir own regional areas and therefore the user typically dials a localnumber to access the ISP.

[0010] Problems can occur when the user uses his or her computer to logon to the ISP (e.g., such as on a business trip using a laptop computer)and the number recorded in the computer for the ISP may be different(i.e., different area and/or country code). It is then necessary for theuser to enter in the area code (or country number if he or she isoverseas) for the ISP and pay for a long distance call. Alternatively,the same ISP may have a local number within the particular locale inwhich the user is located at a particular time. However, the usertypically has to physically search for the local ISP number in theparticular locale in which he or she is located. Furthermore, delays inthe time it takes for a user to access the internet can result wheneverthe user is in a different geographic location or happens to use adifferent computer.

[0011] Moreover, there is a need for a simple way to provideadvertisements to a user which are specifically directed to that user'stastes and characteristics.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to overcoming the problems inthe prior art regarding the inconvenience of the user having tophysically search for the local ISP number in the particular locale inwhich he or she is located, or the increased cost in paying for a longdistance call if this search is not performed, or the delays in time ittakes for a user to access the internet when the user is in a differentgeographic location or happens to use a different computer.

[0013] The present invention is also directed to an online advertisementsystem that accesses user profile information stored on a smart card toprovide advertisements specifically tailored to the user's profile.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there isdisclosed a computer system for allowing a user to automatically accessone of a plurality of network service providers which requireinformation specific to the user and/or the network service provider tobe accessed, the computer system comprising:

[0015] a data card which contains the information specific to either theuser and/or the network service provider to be accessed;

[0016] a data card reader adapted to access at least part of theinformation contained on the data card when the data card is incommunication therewith;

[0017] a data processor in communication with the data card reader andadapted to be connected to a network;

[0018] an application program resident on the data processor, theapplication program being configured to automatically retrieve at leastpart of the information contained on the data card when the data card isin communication with said data card reader and to use the informationto gain access to one of the plurality of network service providers viathe network by using one of a default access number indicating adesignated network service provider and a local access number from adatabase containing a list of access numbers for the plurality ofnetwork service providers along with corresponding location informationfor each access number in the list,

[0019] wherein the application program is immediately triggered uponinsertion of the data card into the data card reader.

[0020] The data card typically comprises a microprocessor for processingthe information stored within the data card, a memory component whichenables the information to be stored within the data card and acommunications interface for transferring the information from the datacard to the data card reader.

[0021] The communications interface may include an antenna embeddedinside the data card so as to communicate the information between thedata card and the data card reader. In such an embodiment, the data cardreader also has an antenna embedded inside so as to receive/relayinformation from/to the data card.

[0022] Alternatively, the communications interface may include a contactconnector and the data card reader may include electrical connectors sothat information can be received/relayed from/to the data card when thecontact and the electrical connectors are in physical contact. Thecommunications interface of the data card may make contact with acommunications interface located on the data card reader. In someembodiments of the invention, the data card is a smart card and the datacard reader is a smart card reader. The data card may also contain abattery for storage of power received from the data card reader when itis connected thereto.

[0023] Preferably, the data card is inserted into a recess providedwithin the data card reader. Typically, when the data card is inside thedata card reader, the electrical connectors on the data card readerdetect that a data card is inserted in the data card reader and anactivation code is generated by the microprocessor and is sent to thedata processor. The activation code is then sent to the applicationprogram.

[0024] When the activation code is received by the data processor, theapplication program instructs the CPU to generate a code to establish alink with the network service provider by instructing a modem to dial adefault number to access the network service provider via the network.Hence, by inserting the smart card into the smart card reader, aconnection is automatically established with the network serviceprovider. The default number may be the number of a network serviceprovider local to the user. If the dial-up sequence is via a networksuch as a telephone line, the phone number of the network serviceprovider may be part of the specific information contained on the datacard.

[0025] If the user is located in another city or indeed in anothercountry, there will be a different country and area code required andthe number dialed by the application program will not connect to thenetwork service provider. In such a situation, the application programwill also include a logic code which determines that a connection hasnot been made and shall generate a message to the user requesting thatthey input the country and/or the city in which they are currentlylocated.

[0026] Optionally, the application program may contain a databasedetailing a list of the countries, the associated locale by area codeswithin those countries and may also include a list of network serviceproviders within each country and local area location. In someembodiments of the invention, the message generated by the applicationprogram may generate from the database, the list of countries on agraphical display. Typically the user will then select the country he orshe is located in at a particular time. Once the country is selected,the application may then generate from the database, a list of localesby area code associated with the selected country. The user then selectsthe locale in which he or she is located. The application program thennotes the locale and retrieves from the database, the country codeand/or the area code of the location.

[0027] Alternatively, the database may be stored on a memory means suchas a compact disc read only memory (CD ROM) accessible by the dataprocessor. Or, the database may be stored in a remote server accessibleby the data processor.

[0028] In one embodiment, once the application program knows the localeof a user, the number of the nearest network service provider located inthe locale is dialed by the data processor via the modem. In otherembodiments, the user may have a designated network service provider andthe application program then dials the number of the designated networkservice provider and the appropriate country and area code. Optionally,the application program may provide the user with a choice as to whetherthey wish to use their designated network service provider or a networkservice provider in their present locale. Furthermore, the applicationprogram may provide the user with a choice of network service providersfrom which to choose in a particular location.

[0029] Typically, the network service provider is an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) or an Internet Access Provider (IAP) which providesinternet services to the user. Alternatively, the network serviceprovider might be a proxy server of an intranet.

[0030] The network which the user uses to access the ISP does not haveto be a telephone line but can be any sort of telecommunications networksuch as a telecommunications cable or telephony.

[0031] In some examples of the invention, the specific informationcontained on the data card includes the user's login identification andpassword which is required to access the ISP. The specific informationmay, however, contain other pieces of information, such as verificationcodes or encrypted data relating to the user's finances or networkpreferences. This information can be used, for example, in theembodiment of the invention described in detail below wherein an onlineadvertisement system accesses user profile information stored on a smartcard to provide advertisements specifically tailored to the user'sprofile. This information may be inputted by the user upon initial useof the data card by having the user fill out a series of informationfields. The personal information may then be encrypted and stored on thedata card.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the data processor ispreferably a personal computer which includes or is connected to a modemwhich can access the internet. In other embodiments of the invention,the data processor may be housed within the data card reader, which mayalso include a graphical interface for the user to view informationcontained on the network.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isdisclosed a method for allowing a user to automatically access one of aplurality of network service providers which require informationspecific to the user and/or the network service provider to be accessed,comprising the steps of:

[0034] configuring an application program resident on a data processorto automatically retrieve at least part of the information specific tothe user and/or the network service provider to be accessed contained ona data card when the data card is in communication with a data cardreader and to use the information to gain access to one of the pluralityof network service providers via a network by using one of a defaultaccess number indicating a designated network service provider and alocal access number from a database containing a list of access numbersfor the plurality of network service providers along with correspondinglocation information for each access number in the list; and

[0035] immediately triggering the application program upon insertion ofthe data card into the data card reader.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, an onlineadvertisement system provides advertisements to a user that arespecifically tailored to the user's profile. The online advertisementsystem comprises:

[0037] a data card for storing information specific to the user,including user profile information;

[0038] a data card reader for accessing the information contained on thedata card when the data card is in communication therewith;

[0039] a data processor in communication with the data card reader; and

[0040] an online advertising server connected to the data processor forserving the advertisements to the user, wherein the advertisements arespecifically tailored to the user based on the user profile information.

[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, a data card isprovided for allowing a user to automatically access one of a pluralityof network service providers, comprising:

[0042] a memory for storing information specific to the user and/or theplurality of network service providers and for storing an applicationprogram which is immediately triggered and which automatically uses theinformation to access one of the network service providers via a networkwhen the data card is in communication with a data card reader that iscommunicating with a data processor.

[0043] In another embopdiment of the present invention, a method isprovided for automatically transferring information to a network,comprising the steps of storing the information on a data card,connecting to the network, and automatically uploading the informationstored on the data card to the network upon connection thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1 shows the logic for the smart card application triggerprocess;

[0045]FIG. 2 shows a trigger process wherein the application triggerpolls a variable;

[0046]FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the computer system in accordancewith the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the data card which is used in thedata card reader of FIG. 3;

[0048]FIG. 5 shows in more detail the data card reader of FIG. 3;

[0049]FIG. 6 shows a number of stages which the system uses to connect auser automatically to the internet, in accordance with the presentinvention; and

[0050]FIG. 7 shows a system including a remote server for servingspecific advertisements to the user.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0051] It is to be understood that the invention disclosed and definedherein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of theindividual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. Allof these different combinations constitute various alternative aspectsof the invention.

[0052] The foregoing describes embodiments of the invention, andmodifications obvious to those skilled in the art can be made theretowithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 1 shows the logic for the smart card application triggerprocess. This diagram describes how a host application is launched uponinsertion of the smart card. There are many different possible hostapplications. For example, the application trigger process could be usedto access data sources through a network, launch local and remoteapplications for a particular user, boot a computing device, restrictaccess to computing platforms, allow entry into building facilities, orstart a combustion or non-fossil engine.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, upon system and/or detection softwarepower-up, boot, or reset as denoted by Start 86, the system moves to thetrigger detection step 88 to wait for insertion of the smart card. Uponinsertion of the card, data representing card insertion is sent to thetrigger detector to be detected by the trigger detection step 88. Oncethe trigger is detected (i.e., the smart card is inserted), theapplication trigger 90 causes the host application to be launched.

[0055]FIG. 2 shows an alternative method for launching a hostapplication upon insertion of the smart card. In FIG. 2, the triggerdetection process is a continually running process that detects cardinsertion through smart card access attempts. The application trigger 94polls an O/S boolean variable that is set to either true or false upontrigger detection. Upon detecting the appropriate true/false value ofthe variable denoting insertion of the smart card, the applicationtrigger 94 launches the application 96.

[0056] The launched application can be stored on the smart card itself,and the trigger detector and application trigger can be integrated intothe same module. For example, upon trigger detection an application maybe launched on the card by the application trigger logic to performauthentication processes on the smart card. Authentication is theverification of user identity through a personal identification number(PIN) stored on the host machine. For example, the application launchedby the application trigger process may ask for a PIN from the user. Toavoid this step, the user could store his or her PIN on the hostmachine. The trigger detector would then read data from a file with thestored PIN before starting the application trigger to verify the PIN.Alternatively, the PIN reading application could be launched as normalwithout prompting the user for a PIN but instead reading the PIN numberfrom a file.

[0057] This process is distinguishable from the process used by magneticstrip reading automated teller machines (ATMs) since there is noembedded-chip present in such devices. ATMs are mechanical devices thatperform a reading operation when a mechanical latch or switch movementis detected upon card insertion.

[0058] Next, the part of the system relating to automatic connection toa network according to the present invention will be described.Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a computer system 10 which allows auser to automatically access a network service provider in the form ofISP 12. The ISP 12 requires the user's login identification and apassword before the ISP 12 will provide access to the internet. Thisinformation is contained on a data card in the form of smart card 14shown in FIG. 3 as being located within recess 16 that is within a datacard reader in the form of smart card reader 18.

[0059] Upon first use of the smart card 14, the user may be required toinput his or her personal information into the system using, forexample, a series of information fields. This information is thenencrypted and transferred onto the smart card 14.

[0060] The smart card reader 18 is adapted to read the login andpassword information for the ISP 12 that is contained on smart card 14.The smart card reader 18 is connected via cable 20 to a data processorin the form of central processing unit (CPU) 22 located within computer24 (shown in this example of the invention by broken lines).

[0061] An application program 26 is resident in the memory of thecomputer 24, and contains code that allows the information contained onthe smart card 14 to be processed by the CPU 22. The application program26 is able to access information contained in a database 28, whichstores information relating to the ISP 12 as well as a number of otherISPs which are located in different locales. The database 28 may bestored on a CD ROM or on a remote server, for example. The applicationprogram 26 may be configured to either dial a default access numberpreviously stored on the smart card 14, or to read the area code fromthe smart card 14 and then dial a number from the database closelycorresponding thereto. If there is no connection, a prompt asks the userto input the number to be dialed.

[0062] The computer 24 is also connected to a user graphical display inthe form of monitor 32, which can display to the user informationcontained on the smart card 14 and information which is downloaded fromthe ISP 12. The computer 24 also contains a modem 34 which establishes alink with ISP 12 via a network in the form of telephone line 30.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view ofthe smart card 14. The smart card comprises a microprocessor 36 whichcan process information contained on the smart card 14, a memorycomponent in the form of memory chip 38 which stores the informationwithin the data card, a power source in the form of battery 40 whichprovides power to the microchip so that it can process information, anda communications interface in the form of contact connector 42. Thecontact connector 42 is exposed to the surface of one side of the smartcard 14.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown the smart card reader 18with the recess 16 shown by broken lines. On one side of the smart cardreader 18 there is provided an electrical connector 44 which is adaptedto make contact with the contact connector 42 whenever the smart card 14is inserted into recess 16.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown the steps for one typicalmethod of the computer system according to the present invention, whichwill now be described in detail with reference also to FIGS. 3, 4, and5. When a user wishes to connect to the ISP 12 in order to accessinternet services such as the World Wide Web or internet mail service,the user inserts smart card 14 into recess 16 of the smart card reader18. The electrical connector 44 detects that the smart card 14 is withinthe smart card reader 18 when the contact connector 42 makes physicalcontact with electrical connector 44. In this example of the invention,an activation code is generated by the microprocessor 36, which is thensent to the CPU 22 via cable 20. The CPU then relays this initiationcode to the application program 26. The first stage of this process canbe seen as step 46 of FIG. 6.

[0066] Initially, the database is stored with the default telephonenumber of ISP 12 as a default so that the application program 26automatically instructs the modem 34 to dial the telephone number of theISP 12. The application program 26 then initiates a request code,requesting information relating to the login of the user for the ISP 12from the smart card 14. The information from smart card 14 is thentransferred from the memory chip 38 to the micro processor 36 out fromthe card via control connector 42 to electrical connector 44 and on tothe CPU 22.

[0067] A routine call code is then generated to establish a link withISP 12 as a call request as in step 48 of FIG. 6. The call request thenactivates modem 34 to place a call to ISP 12. If the telephone number ofISP 12 is correct, a connection is established with ISP 12 and the logininformation from smart card 14 can then be transmitted to the ISP 12.

[0068] The ISP 12 verifies that the login name and password areregistered with the ISP in order to determine whether the call requestis from an authorized user of the ISP 12. This can be seen at step 50wherein the ISP 12 connection is made and the user is connected to theISP 12 at step 52, or alternatively, if the identification is notverified as a registered user's login and password, the call request isterminated and the program exits (as can be seen at step 54).

[0069] In some circumstances, however, the user may be in anothercountry and may not wish to use the ISP 12 but instead wishes to useanother ISP which is not set as the default ISP in database 28. In suchan instance, the local telephone number for ISP 12 would not work, asthere is a different country code and area code, or, alternatively, adifferent ISP telephone number.

[0070] In the situation where the user is in another country and wishesto use an ISP in the locale of the particular location in which he orshe is in, the default connection to ISP 12 will not be established andthe user will be at step 56 of FIG. 6. That is, the application program26 will determine that the connection has not been established with ISP12 and will generate a list of countries from the database to the useron monitor 32.

[0071] The user then selects from the monitor 32 by using a mouse (notshown), the country in which they are in (e.g., the USA), as can be seenat step 58 of FIG. 6. The application program 26 then receives theselected country from the user and accesses the database 28 to retrieveall of the locales which are in the particular country. The locales aredisplayed to the user in the monitor 32 (as at step 60 of FIG. 6). Theuser then selects the locale in which he or she is in at the particulartime (i.e. such as Washington, D.C.).

[0072] The ISPs located within that particular locale are then displayedand the user selects a particular ISP from this list (as can be seen atstage 66 of FIG. 6). Another call request is then initiated as outlinedabove (this time for the new ISP) as can be seen by the loop 68 of FIG.6. It is assumed that in such a situation, each ISP in a particularlocale would have the same verification details of the smart card 14.

[0073] In another example of the invention, the smart card may not beused to select a new ISP, but may call the local ISP 12 (e.g., inSydney, Australia when the user is in Washington, D.C.) by going throughsteps 46, 48, and then 56. Instead of the user accessing an ISP in theparticular locale he or she is currently located in (as describedabove), the user could select a “direct connect” option which wouldrequest the user enter his or her current country location (e.g., USA)and locale (i.e., Washington, D.C.). The application will then determinethe international dial-up connection number, the country number, and thearea code of the country in which the ISP 12 is located (in thisexample, Sydney, Australia).

[0074] The information contained within the memory chip 38 may containnot only the user's login identification to the ISP 12, but may containadditional types of data, such as data to carry out a businesstransaction or data to automatically fill in particular informationrequired on a form.

[0075] One example of such information which could automatically beupdated on a form is information required by a bank for a personal loan.The smart card 14 could store data relating to the user's income, homeaddress, whether the user's residence is owned or rented, the creditrating of the user and a summary of the spending habits relating to theuser. The user would connect to the ISP 12 and connect to a web page ofa bank. As the user connects to the bank's ISP 12, the user'sinformation is automatically sent or uploaded to the bank via its ISP12. The user would not have to fill out any forms via a keyboard, butcould input upon interaction with the bank's web page how much he or shewished to loan from the bank. Alternatively, the bank couldautomatically calculate from the user's information which has beenautomatically uploaded to the bank the maximum amount of money that itis willing to loan the user. Such information could be displayed to theuser from the bank's web page.

[0076] A particular advantage of the smart card 14 is that as the user'scredit rating or spending habits change, the amount the bank is willingto lend him or her will also change. Therefore, the user could quicklydetermine how much credit is available to him or her at any particulartime, without having to fill out forms (either hardcopy forms or via aweb page).

[0077] It should be further appreciated that the smart card 14 describedherein does not have to be a contact smart card, but may in fact be acontactless smart card wherein the user accesses the ISP 12 whenever thesmart card 14 (which in this example would have an antenna embeddedwithin it) is passed near the smart card reader 18.

[0078] In yet another example of the invention, the smart card readerand computer 24 may not be separate devices, but may in fact be combinedinto one piece of hardware so that the user can automatically access theISP 12. Alternatively, it may be that the CPU 22, modem 34, andapplication program 26 are located within the smart card itself.

[0079] It should also be appreciated that the specific informationcontained on the data card may also relate to information other than theuser's login and password for the ISP 12. The smart card may containdata specifying the network preferences of the user, such as the user'spersonal web page “book marks” and the specific Uniform Resource Locator(URL) of a particular web site or personalized web page which isaccessed whenever the user initially connects to the ISP 12. Forexample, the issuer of the smart card 14 may be a bank and the ISP 12could be owned and managed by the bank. The user would be automaticallyconnected to the bank's home page whenever smart card 14 is insertedinto smart card reader 18.

[0080] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 7, theuser is provided with online advertisement information that isspecifically directed to the user's profile. The user's profile isdetermined from the personal identification information stored on thesmart card 80. The identification information may include the user'sname, address, sex, social security number, credit card number, age, andincome. Against this individual user information is allocated a profilecode sequence that identifies for each information field a profileidentifier. For example, corresponding to the user's income will be acode for identifying a range of income that the user falls within. And,corresponding to the user's zip code will be an identifying code foridentifying the region the user comes from.

[0081] A remote online advertising server 82 for serving up banneradvertisements to the user's personal computer 84 will read the profilecodes from the smart card 80 using the smart card reader 86 and willthen serve to the user's computer advertisements that are targetedaccording to the user's profile. In this way, the user is provided withadvertisement information that is specifically directed to the user'sprofile.

[0082] The above invention has been described with specific embodiments,but a person skilled in the art could introduce many variations on theseembodiments without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or fromthe scope of the appended claims. The embodiments are presented for thepurpose of illustration only and should not be read as limiting theinvention or its application. Therefore, the claims should beinterpreted commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A computer system for allowing a user to automatically access one ofa plurality of network service providers which require informationspecific to the user and/or the network service provider to be accessed,the computer system comprising: a data card which contains theinformation specific to the user and/or the network service provider tobe accessed; a data card reader adapted to access at least part of theinformation contained on the data card when the data card is incommunication therewith; a data processor in communication with the datacard reader and adapted to be connected to a network; and an applicationprogram resident on the data processor, said application program beingconfigured to automatically retrieve at least part of the informationcontained on the data card when the data card is in communication withsaid data card reader and to use said information to gain access to oneof the plurality of network service providers via the network by usingone of a default access number indicating a designated network serviceprovider and a local access number from a database containing a list ofaccess numbers for the plurality of network service providers along withcorresponding location information for each access number in the list,wherein said application program is immediately triggered upon insertionof said data card into said data card reader.
 2. The computer system asset forth in claim 1 , wherein said application program prompts the userto input at least one of a current area code and a current location foruse in determining said local access number from said list.
 3. Thecomputer system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the user initiallyinputs said default access number for storage on said data card.
 4. Thecomputer system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein upon initial use ofsaid data card, the user is prompted to initiate said data card byinputting personal identification information into said data processorfor encryption and storage on said data card.
 5. The computer system asset forth in claim 1 , wherein said data card comprises: amicroprocessor for processing the information contained on the datacard; a memory component for enabling the information to be storedwithin the data card; and a communications interface for transferringthe information from the data card to the data card reader.
 6. Thecomputer system as set forth in claim 5 , wherein said communicationsinterface comprises a first antenna embedded inside said data card, andsaid data card reader comprises a second antenna embedded therein, forcommunicating the information between said data card and said data cardreader.
 7. The computer system as set forth in claim 5 , wherein saidcommunications interface comprises a contact connector, and said datacard reader comprises a plurality of electrical connectors for relayinginformation to/from said data card when the contact connector and theplurality of electrical connectors are in physical contact.
 8. Thecomputer system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said informationspecific to the user and/or the network service provider includes useridentification information, area information, and telephone numberinformation.
 9. The computer system as set forth in claim 1 , whereinsaid database is stored on a memory means accessible by the dataprocessor.
 10. The computer system as set forth in claim 9 , whereinsaid memory means is a compact disc read only memory.
 11. The computersystem as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said database is stored in aremote server accessible by said data processor.
 12. The computer systemas set forth in claim 1 , further comprising: a remote server forserving advertisement information to the user based on profileinformation of the information specific to the user contained on thedata card.
 13. The computer system as set forth in claim 1 , whereinsaid data processor is housed within said data card reader.
 14. Anonline advertisement system for providing advertisements to a user,comprising: a data card for storing information specific to the user,including user profile information; a data card reader for accessing theinformation contained on said data card when said data card is incommunication therewith; a data processor in communication with saiddata card reader; and an online advertising server connected to saiddata processor for serving said advertisements to the user, wherein saidadvertisements are specifically tailored to the user based on said userprofile information.
 15. A method for allowing a user to automaticallyaccess one of a plurality of network service providers which requireinformation specific to the user and/or the network service provider tobe accessed, comprising the steps of: configuring an application programresident on a data processor to automatically retrieve at least part ofthe information specific to the user and/or the network service providerto be accessed contained on a data card when said data card is incommunication with a data card reader and to use said information togain access to one of the plurality of network service providers via anetwork by using one of a default access number indicating a designatednetwork service provider and a local access number from a databasecontaining a list of access numbers for the plurality of network serviceproviders along with corresponding location information for each accessnumber in the list; and immediately triggering said application programupon insertion of said data card into said data card reader.
 16. Themethod as set forth in claim 15 , further comprising the step ofprompting the user to input at least one of a current area code and acurrent location for use in determining said local access number fromsaid list.
 17. The method as set forth in claim 15 , further comprisingthe step of prompting the user to input said default access number forstorage on said data card.
 18. The method as set forth in claim 15 ,further comprising the step of prompting the user, upon initial use ofsaid data card, to initiate said data card by inputting personalidentification information into said data processor for encryption andstorage on said data card.
 19. The method as set forth in claim 15 ,further comprising the steps of: processing the information contained onthe data card; storing the information in a memory within the data card;and transferring the information from the data card to the data cardreader.
 20. The method as set forth in claim 19 , further comprising thesteps of: communicating the information between said data card and saiddata card reader through a first antenna embedded inside said data cardand a second antenna embedded inside said data card reader.
 21. Themethod as set forth in claim 19 , further comprising the steps of:relaying the information to/from said data card when a contact connectorof a communications interface of said data card and a plurality ofelectrical connectors of said data card reader are in physical contact.22. The method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein said informationspecific to the user and/or the network service provider includes useridentification information, location information, and telephone numberinformation.
 23. The method as set forth in claim 15 , furthercomprising the step of storing said database on a memory meansaccessible by the data processor.
 24. The method as set forth in claim23 , further comprising the steps of providing said memory means as acompact disc read only memory.
 25. The method as set forth in claim 15 ,further comprising the step of storing said database on a remote serveraccessible by said data processor.
 26. The method as set forth in claim15 , further comprising the step of: serving advertisement informationto the user based on profile information of the information specific tothe user contained on the data card.
 27. A method for providingadvertisements to a user, comprising the steps of: storing informationspecific to the user including user profile information on a data card;accessing the information contained on said data card via a data cardreader when said data card is in communication therewith; communicatingwith said data card reader via a data processor; and serving saidadvertisements to the user, wherein said advertisements are specificallytailored to the user based on said user profile information.
 28. A datacard for allowing a user to automatically access one of a plurality ofnetwork service providers, comprising: a memory for storing informationspecific to the user and/or the plurality of network service providersand for storing an application program which is immediately triggeredand which automatically uses the information to access one of thenetwork service providers via a network when said data card is incommunication with a data card reader that is communicating with a dataprocessor; a microprocessor for processing the information contained onsaid data card; and a communications interface for transferring theinformation from said data card to said data card reader.
 29. A methodfor automatically transferring information to a network, comprising thesteps of: storing said information on a data card; connecting to saidnetwork; and automatically uploading said information stored on saiddata card to said network upon connection thereto.